Bad breath is one thing that toothpaste manufacturing companies have capitalised on to sell their products, because it can be a major form of embarrassment to a person. Blessing Ukemena writes on this annoying issue, with reports from WebMD.Brush and floss more frequentlyOne of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky build-up on teeth that harbours bacteria. Food left between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you’re worried about your breath, brush and floss a little more often, but don’t overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can erode enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. And if you cannot floss daily, then brush lightly after every meal if your case is severe.Scrape your tongueThe coating that normally forms on the tongue can harbour foul-smelling bacteria. To eliminate them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Some people find that toothbrushes are too big to comfortably reach the back of the tongue. In that case, try a tongue scraper.“Tongue scrapers are an essential tool in a proper oral health care routine,” says Pamela L. Quinones, RDH, president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. “They’re designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t remove.” Or a chewing stick can come in handy in the absence of a tongue scraper.Avoid foods that sour your breathOnions and garlic are the prime offenders. “Unfortunately, brushing after you eat onions or garlic doesn’t help,” says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “The volatile substances they contain make their way into your blood stream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out.”The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating onions and garlic, especially before social or work occasions when you’re concerned about your breath. You can only eat garlic or raw onions at home when you are sure you will out be going out soon.Kick the habitBad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also increases your risk of oral cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge to smoke. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about prescription medications or smoking cessation programmes that can help you give up tobacco for good. Above all, think on the benefits of smoking. That’s right, there are no benefits! So why smoke at all? Make up your mind to stop smoking, and your respiratory organs will thank you, (if they could).Rinse your mouth outIn addition to freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, washing your mouth with plain water also helps freshen your breath by eliminating food particles.Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum insteadSugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. “Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defence mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath,” Quinones tells WebMD.